This is the third in a series of posts where we offer guidelines on how to produce a specification for an IT cabling system.

Today we look at what you should consider when installing containment and cable, and we list the components which make up a well-documented cabling system.

CABLE PATHWAYS AND CONTAINMENT

Cable pathways can be located above ceilings, under floors, in risers between floors, underground or overhead between buildings. In most instances, the cabling will require dedicated containment such as trunking, conduit, cable tray, matting, cable basket or ducts.

The following should be considered:

Designing pathways that keep cable lengths within limits

Specifying the most suitable containment for the pathway

Consider who has responsibility for the pathways and designing the containment system, e.g. architect, mechanical and electrical contractor or the cabling installer

Capacity, allowing for future growth and to keep fill ratios within the requirements of the BS and EN standards

Segregation from other services, particularly electricity supply cabling in accordance with your country’s standards, in the case of the UK it is BS 6701 and BS EN 50174-2 series

Protection of the cable from water, heat, sunlight, physical damage and rodents.

INSTALLATION TECHNIQUES

Suitably qualified installers, complying with relevant standards should be selected to undertake the cabling work. Qualifications would include evidence of the cable manufacturer’s training or training undertaken at a specialised training establishment and supported by a recognized certification.

The installation should adhere to standards, including, where applicable:

BS 6701

BS EN 7671 (IEE) Wiring Regulations – 17th Edition

BS EN 50174 series of standards

BS EN 50310

BS EN 50346

A good installer will not:

Exceed the minimum bend radii for cables

Exceed the maximum pulling force for cables

Crush cable (e.g. by over tightening cable ties)

Strip too much cable sheath at termination points

Install cables where they could be damaged

Untwist too much of each cable pair

Use incorrect tools or fixing techniques.

A good installer will:

Work safely

Adhere to the necessary standards

Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

LABELLING, RECORDS AND DOCUMENTATION

If your cabling system is well documented, any implementation, moves, additions or changes will be made simpler and problems more quickly diagnosed. You should develop a full administration scheme, complying with BS 6701 or your own country’s standards.

The level of detail will depend on the size and nature of your network and will include the following:

Labelling and records:

Identifiers

Labels

Records

Reports

Drawings

Work Orders (documenting all moves, additions and changes).

Documentation should contain some or all of the following:

Topology diagram (schematic layout)

Floor plans routes

Equipment room layout

Outlet locations

Patching closet location

Equipment termination location

Telecommunications or equipment room layout

Cabinet layout

Patching / cross connect records

Test schedules / results

Identification of test equipment used

Certificate of conformity.

Depending on your experience and the complexity of the installation, expert assistance may be needed to complete the specification.